Time to say goodbye to unwanted calls: Do-Not-Call registry now open for registration

Posed photo of a person picking up the phone receiver. Consumers wanting to opt out of telemarketing calls can now list their numbers on a national Do-Not-Call (DNC) registry, a month ahead of the official launch. -- NP FILE PHOTO: MOHD ISHAK

By Irene Tham

Consumers wanting to opt out of telemarketing calls can now list their numbers on a national Do-Not-Call (DNC) registry, a month ahead of the official launch.

If they make an early registration, they can expect to block unwanted telemarketing calls and text messages from Jan 2 next year, when the registry is launched. But those who list their numbers later - after the launch - may still have to put up with 30 to 60 days of unwanted calls.

When a company checks its call list with the registry, the numbers on its list are valid for 60 days if they are not on the DNC registry - after which it must check again before making a sales pitch on the phone, through fax, or via SMS or MMS. The validity period will be cut to 30 days from next July.

Consumers who receive telemarketing calls despite having listed their numbers on the registry can complain to a watchdog called the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC). They may register through the website at www.dnc.gov.sg, or by text message by sending "DNC" to 78772 to block calls, text messages and fax messages; "DNC" to 78773 to block calls only; "DNC" to 78774 to block text messages only. They may also register by phone at 1800-248-0772 to block calls, text messages and fax messages; 1800-248-0773 to block calls only; or 1800-248-0774 to block text messages only.